La Orquesta De La Luz, Salsa From Japan

Earlier this week it was business as usual at the office. It was unseasonably cool, (at least that is what the weatherman kept reporting) and the employees were in the mood for some salsa music to warm their day. One of them, whom we call “G”, walked up to me and asked whether I knew anything about the band that was playing on the radio. I admitted that I did not and, before I could leave his work station, he showed me the album’s cover titled “Salsa Caliente Del Japon.” One band member is dressed as a Sumo wrestler while another played “tambores”. ¿Cómo? Say what?

The album “Salsa Caliente Del Japon” became number one on Billboard’s Latin chart for 12 consecutive weeks.

The group became one of the most prominent Japanese orchestras to ever play Tropical music earning international critical acclaim in Japan and the United States.

In 1991 and 1993, they won the “Special Prize” Award by the 33rd Japan Record Awards.

For two consecutive years they won “The Best Album of the Year” Award by La Association de Cronistas de Espectaculos de Nueva York (ACE Awards) in 1991 and 1992. They also won “The Best Band of the Year “ACE Award in 1992.

In 1993, the United Nations awarded them the “Peace Medal” and in 1995 they were nominated for the Grammy Awards in the category of “Best Tropical Latin Album.”

La Orquesta De La Luz also received “The Best New Artists” Award by the Japanese minister of Education in the category of Popular Entertainment.

The group recorded seven albums, worldwide and toured for each album in North America, South America, and in Europe.

What I love about this orchestra is how they really connected with our culture. When you listen to their music, you’re not just hearing a group of people sing, you’re hearing “el sabor y ritmo” of old school salsa. I commend this group for giving us a beat to dance to while being reminded that salsa has no boundaries and its influence knows no borders.

Here is one of their top hits Salsa Caliente Del Japon:

Salsa Con Sabor

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Pa’lante Latino showcases current events in the arts, entertainment, politics, and culture as it affects our community. Above all, we are ferocious advocates of the contributions that Hispanics/Latinos have made to the United States and feature articles based on historical facts to reaffirm our relevance.Please feel free to email us at info@palantelatino.com.
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One Response to “La Orquesta De La Luz, Salsa From Japan”

The first time I heard this group, they blew my mind. I thought they were a Latino Band. Great sounds, tight music, intonation is there, and just love the patterns. As a Jazz musician, I can appreciate what they have done. “Que Viva Puerto Rico!” Blessings.